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Edo PDP Crisis: Orbih Opens Up On Purported Reconciliation Talks

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Following the crisis in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, the Legacy Group has challenged the reconciliation talks said to be ongoing in the state, saying it was not involved.

The Legacy Group is being led by the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Orbih.

Leading up to the PDP governorship primary election on February 22 and following the victory of Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate, supported by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, internal conflict had plagued the state chapter of the party.

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In response, the PDP appointed the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Emmanuel Enoidem, to head an 11-member committee tasked to reconcile the disgruntled members.

The committee was unable to foster reconciliation, with the latest development being the ouster of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who contested against Ighodalo, as he was impeached by the lawmakers.

The Edo PDP, thereafter, split into factions, a group led by Orbih and another by Obaseki, with members opposing and campaigning against Ighodalo ahead of the governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.

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In the past two weeks, certain PDP members had switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress in the state, while others expressed intentions to oppose the party’s candidate in the forthcoming election.

Additionally, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, has urged the National Working Committee to suspend Orbih, citing alleged anti-party activities.

Responding to the development, the PDP released a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, last week, urging the people of Edo State to continue showing support and solidarity for the party and its governorship candidate, Ighodalo.

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Following the statement, supporters of the Obaseki faction claimed to have engaged in discussions with the Orbih-led Legacy Group in a bid to resolve internal conflicts among PDP members in Edo State.

Responding to the claim, Orbih refuted the alleged meeting, labelling it as misinformation.

The PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, questioned whether reconciliation could occur without the involvement of his group, the Legacy Group.

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He stated, “Watching as the PDP council celebrated the falsehood of a non-existent settlement, can one person settle in the absence of the second person?

“I was not consulted. Legacy Group is not a party to this. This is a big lie from the pit of hell. Whoever orchestrated this propaganda is from the woods. So, Dan Orbih is important like this and they have been insulting me daily?”

When reached for comment, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader and a staunch supporter of Governor Obaseki, Timothy Osadolor, remarked that Orbih found himself at a crossroads and encouraged him to step down from his position.

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In an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, Osadolor stated that Orbih could not undermine Ighodalo’s chances in the election.

He stated, “Dan Orbih finds himself at a crossroads, having garnered considerable attention from members of the Legacy Group. He has led some into politically damaging conflicts, not only with the governor but also with the state.

“During the last NWC meeting, Orbih appealed against sanctions, citing past grievances and pledging future support for the party’s governorship candidate. While he’s entitled to his decisions, he must remember that holding a party leadership position entails loyalty to the party. I urge him to consider resigning honourably.

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“Orbih cannot undermine the PDP’s candidate in Edo. He has never successfully fielded a councillor in his ward through fair elections, let alone jeopardise the PDP’s chances in Edo. Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, will emerge victorious.”

Attempts to obtain a response from the PDP NWC regarding the development were unsuccessful, as Ologunagba did not answer calls or respond to messages sent to him.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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